Personal Development

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Building self-confidence and selfesteem is fundamental to any young person’s development.

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Outdoor activities provide valuable alternative, often non-competitive, avenues for achievement, as well as opportunities to develop independence and self-reliance. Through successfully facing up to the challenges which outdoor activities provide, overcoming fears and apprehensions along the way, young people make major strides in confidence, with implications for all aspects of their development.

 

A positive attitude to learning is essential if young people are to make the most of their education.

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Participation in exciting and enjoyable outdoor activities with teachers, assistants and peers reinforces a positive attitude to education. Direct experience out of doors stimulates and reinforces learning across many areas of the curriculum, and the use of the outdoors encourages young people to take greater responsibility for their own learning.

 

Wider Benefits

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Awareness of the needs and contributions of others and the ability to sustain effective relationships, at work and in the family, are vital in today’s society.

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Experience in the outdoors provides rich opportunities for personal and social development through carefully structured group work in challenging situations. Trust, care, tolerance and the willingness to give and accept support are all encouraged and anti-social behaviour is challenged. Opportunities are presented to exhibit and develop effective interpersonal behaviour and to work cooperatively and effectively in teams.

 

The purposeful use of leisure time is increasingly seen as making an important contribution to a fulfilling lifestyle.

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Outdoor recreation introduces young people to a range of worthwhile leisure pursuits which will enrich their future lives, and develops the skills and knowledge essential for safe participation. Outdoor exercise contributes greatly to health and fitness and continuing participation in outdoor pursuits encourages the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

 

Training and Safety

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All our activities are led by our own staff, who are experienced and trained to national standards.

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Whether it’s mountain biking, kayaking, bouldering, hillwalking, climbing, archery or teambuilding, the leaders will have appropriate and up-to-date leadership and/or coaching qualifications. All staff assisting will either hold a recognised qualification or will have completed an in-house training programme.

 

Ardmore has a comprehensive risk management programme for outdoor activities.

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All staff are aware of the need for continuous, dynamic risk assessment. All activities and venues have been comprehensively risk assessed and will have an appropriate risk management plan. All leaders hold a current mountain first aid certificate. All equipment and personal safety gear is checked and logged on a regular basis.